Suspect Charged With Murder In Jazmine Barnes’ Shooting

Sources are saying one suspect is in custody for the killing of 7-year-old Jazmine Barnes. The investigation is currently ongoing with a possible second suspect.

Last Sunday, Barnes was sitting in a vehicle near a Walmart along the East Beltway and Wallisville as she and her mother were going to Joe V’s to get coffee. According to police, someone in a red, four-door pickup truck pulled alongside her family’s vehicle and opened fire.

LaPorsha Washington, Jazmine’s mother, was injured during the attack.

In the wake of the killing, thousands have sent their condolences to the family as celebrities and community activists have offered to assist with the funeral expenses of Barnes. Deandre Hopkins pledged his game check from the Houston Texans’ playoff game to assist and Shaquille O’Neal and another officer have donated a cashier’s check to cover expenses.

Subsequent investigation revealed evidence that corroborated the tip, and Black was taken into custody in East Harris County without incident.

Black then admitted to taking part in the shooting. Investigators are continuing to pursue evidence that could possibly lead to other suspects being charged in this case.

Jazmine’s mother was driving Jazmine and her three sisters southbound on the East Sam Houston Parkway feeder road near Wallisville Road at approximately 6:50 a.m. when they were fired upon by someone in another vehicle.

At this time, investigators do not believe Jazmine’s family was the intended target of the shooting, and that they were possibly shot as a result of mistaken identity.

“I am grateful to our dedicated investigators, the partner law enforcement agencies that provided vital assistance, and tipsters from across the nation who pulled together to support our work to get justice for Jazmine,” Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said. “Our work is not finished, but I believe the people of Harris County can take comfort in knowing we have made great progress.”

Anyone with information that may prove helpful to this ongoing investigation is urged to contact Crime Stoppers of Houston at 713-222-TIPS or 713-221-6000.